CLEAN ENERGY: Wisconsin regulators open an investigation into how the state can meet long-term goals of maintaining affordability and reliability as it transitions to clean energy. (Wisconsin State Journal)
OIL & GAS:
• A federal judge halts oil and gas development in Ohio’s Wayne National Forest after a ruling last year found federal officials didn’t adequately consider the project’s impacts. (Natural Gas Intelligence)
• North Dakota’s oil production declined earlier this year after high winds caused power outages, state officials report. (Bismarck Tribune)
• A work stoppage caused by an ongoing contract dispute with employees at a Minnesota refinery enters its second month with no end in sight. (Star Tribune)
SOLAR:
• Consumers Energy plans to buy 140 MW of capacity from a 200 MW solar project planned in southwestern Michigan. (Renewables Now)
• A Minnesota lawmaker plans to introduce legislation that would allow for solar projects on “prime farmland” under certain conditions. (Northfield News)
• Local officials move forward with plans for a 75 MW solar project in southeastern Wisconsin. (Daily Jefferson County Union)
• Ohio solar developers say state legislation that would allow local referendums on renewable energy projects would “almost certainly” direct investments to surrounding states. (WKBN)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES:
• General Motors will partner with a startup company to advance the automaker’s battery development in pursuit of higher electric vehicle driving range in a smaller package. (Reuters)
• A new utility partnership could bring additional EV charging stations to western Indiana. (WTHI)
CARBON CAPTURE: North Dakota lawmakers pass a bill exempting carbon dioxide stored underground from sales tax. (Bismarck Tribune)
WIND:
• Developers announce plans for a 44 MW wind project in west central Illinois. (WLDS)
• Local officials in mid-Michigan plan to revisit its wind energy regulations following public concerns about planned projects. (Greenville Daily News)
NUCLEAR: A Missouri nuclear plant will receive more oversight from federal regulators as part of its annual assessment. (Fulton Sun)
COMMENTARY: Ohio lawmakers should bar utilities from using ratepayer funds for political advocacy to help move on from “an embarrassing chapter in the history of our state,” says a Lakewood, Ohio, city council member and solar advocate. (Columbus Dispatch)